Clover, a member of the legume family Trifolium, is widely used in wildlife management as forage for white-tailed deer. These plantings form the basis of managed food plots designed to supplement a deer’s natural diet and influence its movement. The plant’s ability to thrive in a managed environment makes it a valued component of a herd health program. By providing a consistent source of quality food, managers can support higher deer densities and maximize the herd’s potential.
Nutritional Profile of Clover
Clover provides high nutritional density, supporting the demanding metabolic processes of deer throughout the year. Its most notable attribute is high crude protein content, commonly ranging between 20 and 30% in well-maintained plots. This protein level far exceeds that found in most native browse, making it beneficial during periods of peak demand.
Protein fuels rapid body growth, antler development in bucks, and milk production for does nursing fawns. Clover also boasts a high Total Digestible Nutrient (TDN) level, often 70 to 80%, indicating the consumed forage is efficiently utilized. The plant is a source of minerals like calcium and phosphorus, necessary for skeletal health and antler growth.
Different Types of Clover for Forage
Clover is a genus with many varieties, categorized primarily as perennials or annuals, each suiting different climate and management goals. Perennial clovers, such as Ladino and White Dutch, persist for multiple years from a single planting, making them a low-maintenance option. Ladino is a large-leafed variety known for high yield, while White Dutch is lower-growing and more tolerant of heavy grazing pressure.
Annual clovers, including Crimson and Arrowleaf, complete their lifecycle in less than a year and must be replanted seasonally. Crimson clover is a fast-establishing, upright plant that provides high-quality forage quickly during the cool season. The choice between annuals and perennials depends on the local climate, as perennials may go dormant during hot, dry summer months, while annuals can provide forage during seasonal nutritional gaps.
Establishing a Successful Clover Food Plot
A successful clover food plot relies on specific soil management practices, beginning with a professional soil test to determine the existing nutrient profile and acidity. Clover performs optimally in a soil pH range of 6.5 to 7.0. If the soil is too acidic, lime must be applied several months before planting to elevate the pH. Applying phosphorus and potassium is required for plant health, but nitrogen fertilizer is unnecessary since clover is a legume and fixes its own nitrogen.
The seed must be coated with the correct Rhizobium bacteria inoculant to enable this nitrogen-fixation process. Proper seedbed preparation involves creating a firm, fine soil surface through disking or tilling followed by cultipacking. This ensures the small seeds achieve good seed-to-soil contact without being buried too deep, as planting depth should be no more than one-quarter inch.
Weed control is essential during establishment, as clover seedlings cannot compete with aggressive grasses and broadleaf weeds. Managers often apply a non-selective herbicide like glyphosate to clear the plot before planting, followed by selective herbicides post-germination. A grass-specific herbicide, such as clethodim, can be applied over the clover to eliminate competitive grasses without harming the legume. Mowing the plot to a height of six to eight inches several times during the growing season also suppresses weeds and encourages fresh growth.